The Paradox of the 21st Century: The Protection of Freedom of Expression in Europe

The cohabitation of dynamics of progress in our society with a growing multiculturalism enhances conflicts of interests that question freedom of expression. Whereas States succeeded in consecrating a high protection of free speech pursuant to harmonised International and European standards, sections of the population tend to reject it, whether it is offensive or merely too liberal for some more. This paper analyses this new paradox surrounding the said freedom of expression throughout four main examples in EU Member States. Not only does this conflict result in a dilemma that States somehow need to solve by striking a balance between liberticidal freedoms; but it also jeopardises freedom of expression itself, questioning the value of censorship while this freedom is still used as a tool for controlling people. Based on this postulate, this paper aims at discussing the remedies to a paradox that endangers the States’ ultimate goal: prosperous and peaceful democracies.

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